ENFORCEMENT CUTS CRIME RATE

RCMP Says They've Moved To A 'Proactive' Approach

Oliver-Osoyoos RCMP Detachment Corporal Mike Field says increased and
targeted enforcement is having a positive impact on the crime rate in
both communities.

Monthly enforcement nights - involving the local detachment, South
Okanagan Traffic Services, Integrated Road Safety Unit and Police Dog
Services - have helped police check into criminal activity and
allowed them "to move from a 'reactive' approach to a 'proactive' approach."

Compared with 2004-05, where Field says reports hit a plateau,
September 2005 to September 2006 saw a slight drop in Criminal Code
and Drug offences reported.

In 2005-06, Osoyoos saw a five per cent decrease in Criminal Code
reports (which include crimes against persons and property, breaches,
arson, mischief, disturbing the peace, etc.) and an 18 per cent
increase in Drug reports over the previous year.

Field points out an increase in drug statistics is "not attributable
to an actual increase in drug activity," but means with increased
enforcement, "we're catching more of the bad guys."

While Field acknowledges a number of factors can affect statistics -
including the amount of activity being reported, socio-economic
conditions in a community, an increase or decrease in file volume, or
a change in enforcement - he feels a combination of an increase in
reporting and more enforcement is having an impact.

"With drugs, especially, we're seeing both an increase in reporting as
the community at large is becoming more aware of the signs of drug
activity, and members are doing more traffic stops, persons checks,
targeted enforcement and investigation."

Field says he expects the trend to continue and that police will see
an increase again over the next year, and an increase in reports also
correlates to an increase in charges.

He adds the total file volume, population and Criminal Code and Drug
statistics are the major factors in determining police staffing and
funding levels for a community.